Rensselaer County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Rensselaer County, NY, had a population of approximately 161,130. The racial makeup was about 85.3% White, 6.8% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 4.8% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income was $67,209, with 10.1% living below the poverty line. The county's median age was around 40 years.

As of 2023, Rensselaer County, NY has a median home value of approximately $210,000. The median rent is around $1,100 per month. The homeownership rate is about 60%, with 40% of residents renting. Housing inventory is limited, contributing to relatively stable prices. The average property tax rate is roughly 2.42%, higher than the national average. Annual property transactions are fewer compared to urban areas, reflecting a suburban-rural mix. The county’s housing market has seen moderate appreciation rates in recent years, aligning with regional trends in the Capital District.

In Rensselaer County, NY, the 2023 elections feature several key races. For the County Executive position, the candidates are incumbent Steve McLaughlin (Republican) and Gwen Wright (Democrat). The County Legislature has 19 seats up for election, distributed among various districts.

For example, in District 1 (Troy), the candidates include Mark Fleming (D), Nina Nichols (D), and Jake Ashby (R). Each district elects multiple legislators, with voters selecting representatives based on their specific district.

Additionally, local municipal elections are taking place for positions such as town supervisors, council members, and other officials in towns throughout Rensselaer County. Voting takes place at designated polling stations, and early voting options are available.

Voter turnout in past elections for the county has ranged from 40-50% for general elections, but specific turnout will depend on the competitiveness of races and voter engagement efforts.

To get precise and updated information, visit the official Rensselaer County Board of Elections website.

As of recent data, Rensselaer County, NY, shows the following educational attainment for its residents aged 25 and over:

• High school graduates: Approximately 90.7%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 33%

In comparison, the national averages are:

• High school graduates: About 88%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Roughly 34%

For New York State, the averages are:

• High school graduates: Approximately 86%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: Around 37%

Rensselaer County surpasses the national high school graduation rate and aligns closely to New York State's high school graduation rate. However, the percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher in Rensselaer County is slightly below both national and state averages.

As of the latest data, Rensselaer County, NY, had an employment figure of approximately 80,000 people. Key industries in the county include Health Care and Social Assistance, employing around 16,000 people; Educational Services, with about 12,000 employees; and Retail Trade with roughly 8,500 workers. Manufacturing and Public Administration are also significant, employing about 5,000 and 4,500 people, respectively.

Compared to national averages, Rensselaer County has a higher proportion of employment in Educational Services and Public Administration, partly due to the presence of notable institutions like Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and various state government offices. In comparison to New York State averages, the county aligns similarly in Health Care and Social Assistance but has a comparatively lower concentration in sectors like Financial Services and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.

Employment rates and industry distributions are influenced by the county's unique academic, technological, and governmental institutions.

Rensselaer County, NY, has a median household income of approximately $65,200 as of recent data. This is compared to the national median household income of around $68,700. New York State's median household income stands at approximately $72,100.

Rensselaer County's median income is slightly below the national average and considerably lower than the state average. The disparity highlights economic variances within different regions of New York State.

As of the most recent data, Rensselaer County, NY has a varied crime rate. For every 100,000 people, the county experiences the following crime rates annually:

Rensselaer County's crime rates are reflective of national trends, with property crimes significantly higher than violent crimes. Efforts continue to reduce these numbers through community programs and law enforcement initiatives.